Robert Coughlin

Mr. Coughlin is a Managing Director at JLL and is the New England’s Life Science and Healthcare Practice Group lead. He specializes in the representation of lab, GMP manufacturing and technology space. Robert delivers creative solutions that align real estate strategies with scientific business objectives.

Experience

Robert most recently operated as the President & CEO of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, where his mission was to advance Massachusetts's leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry.

Robert has spent his career in both the public and private sectors. Before joining MassBio, he served as the Undersecretary of Economic Development within Governor Deval Patrick’s administration, where he prioritized both healthcare and economic development issues and was a strong advocate for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Prior to that, he was elected as State Representative to the 11th Norfolk district for three terms.

Robert has also held senior executive positions in the environmental services, capital management and venture capital industries.

ADA Forsyth Institute​

American Dental Association​

Precede Biosciences​

The Broad Institute​

Mass College of Pharmacy

Nido Biosciences​

Avencell​

HC Biosciences​

Amgen​

Sanofi​

ThermoFisher​

Anthos Therapeutics​

Ironwood​

MassBio​

Rhode Island Life Science Hub​

Massachusetts Maritime Academy​

Solu Therapeutics​

HYM​

BioMed Realty​

Greatland​

National Resilience​

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation​

Solid Bio​

Stoke Therapeutics​

City Therapeutics​

Organogenesis

2011, Father of the Year Award, American Diabetes Association​

2012, CF Foundation Volunteer Leadership Award, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation​

2013 Boston Irish Business Award, Boston Irish Business Association​

2014, Leadership in Biotechnology Recognition, Massachusetts Society for Medical Research. ​

2015, Advocate of the Year, NTSAD ​

2015, Top 50 Most Influential Bostonians, Boston Business Journal’s Power 50​

2016, Boston Biotech CEO Lifetime Achievement Award, Longwood Boston Biotech​

2017, Governor Paul Cellucci Fatherhood Award, Children’s Trust​

2017, Breath of Life Award, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ​

2021, Henri A. Termeer Memorial Innovator in Health Award, NEHI​

2025, Hope in Action Award, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ​

2025, Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leader Award, MassBio

Franciscan Children’s Hospital, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Team Impact, Member of National Board of Directors

MassBio, Member, Board of Directors

BA Sciences, Member, Board of Directors

Anagram, Member, Board of Directors

Nuvara, Member, Board of Directors

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Chair, MA/RI Board of Directors

Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care, Lifetime Board Member

Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Board of Trustees

Mass Maritime Academy, B.S. in Marine Engineering ​